Navy apprehends Vietnamese poachers in Ilocos Norte

LAOAG CITY, Philippines – The Philippine Navy has apprehended seven Vietnamese for fishing illegally within the country’s exclusive economic zone, 33 nautical miles west of Currimao, Ilocos Norte Thursday night.

John Montes, commander of the Naval unit in Currimao, identified the poachers as Trian Brioe Bao, 34; Nho Xin, 39; Phan Gien Quoc, 38; Dang Quoc Hung, 41; Le Van Tho, 32, and two minors.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources personnel who inspected the vessel reported finding several marine species, including manta ray and shark fins.

The foreign fishermen were brought to Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center for physical and medical examination before they were brought back to the Philippine Navy office for custodial investigation. – With Jaime Laude